Battery-Free AGVs Advantages over Chain Based Conveyance 2014-01-0782

With Battery-free Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), the production line is no longer held hostage to a slow station, and diverge/converge paths do not require a coupling/uncoupling process. Asynchronous indexing ensures that units move forward when they are ready, enabling the most efficient production paths. Where overhead conveyance is required for ergonomics or engagement with other line paths, it is easily integrated into the Inductive Power Transfer (IPT®) system. A software and controls-driven conveyance, its integrated intelligence allows for seamless inclusion of automated work instructions, error proofing, traceability, Factory Information Systems (FIS) and other elements of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for improved quality.

Requiring only two shallow channels cut into an iron-free floor, path changes are quickly made. Gone are requirements for floor pits and drag chains and for hundreds of highly skilled changeover staff during shut-down. A clean, smooth flat floor free of obstructions, trenches or floor-mounted rails reduces workplace injuries. Line changes are primarily made through software and controls rather than tracks and chains. Downtime and change costs are significantly reduced.